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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






2. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






3. One of the two modes of the tonal system. The minor mode can be identified by the dark - melancholic mood.






4. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






5. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






6. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






7. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






8. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






9. The seventh note of the scale where there is a strong desire to resolve on the tonic.






10. To hold a tone or rest held beyond the written value at the discretion of the performer.






11. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






12. Arrangement of music for a combined number of instruments.






13. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






14. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






15. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






16. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






17. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






18. Music written for a lively French dance for two performers written in triple time.






19. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






20. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






21. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






22. A short or brief sonata.






23. Pertains to tone or tones.






24. An extended cantata on a sacred subject.






25. Introduction to an opera or other large musical work.






26. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






27. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






28. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






29. Indicating speed.






30. To shift to another key.






31. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






32. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






33. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






34. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






35. A composition written for eight instruments.






36. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






37. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






38. A musical theme given to a particular idea or main character of an opera.






39. To repeat a previous part of a composition generally after other music has been played.






40. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






41. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.






42. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






43. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






44. A sequence of songs - perhaps on a single theme - or with texts by one poet - or having continuos narrative.






45. A hymn sung by the choir and congregation often in unison.






46. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






47. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






48. Time in music history ranging from the middle of the 16th to the middle of the 17th centuries. Characterized by emotional - flowery music; written in strict form.






49. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






50. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.